Why does my skin look dull after facial?

Author: Brendon Grady  |  Last update: Thursday, August 14, 2025

That could be a sign that the products, chemical exfoliants, or other active ingredients used during the facial have caused clogged pores or skin barrier damage.

Why does my face look dull after a facial?

Your face may appear dull after a facial due to factors such as product buildup, skin sensitivity, or dehydration. Occasionally, facials can cause temporary redness or irritation, resulting in a lackluster look. To rejuvenate your skin, make sure to follow up with a quality moisturizer and stay well-hydrated.

Is it normal for my skin to look worse after a facial?

Though not exactly what you want following a facial, a skin purge usually clears up on its own relatively quickly. Bigger, angrier spots that persist aren't normal, though, so it's worth getting back in touch with your facialist for advice.

Why is there no glow after a facial?

In the days following your facial, the sun is not your friend. Those harmful UV rays can wreak havoc on your delicate skin and erase all the post-facial glow you've gained. So, if you must go out for extended periods under direct sunlight, we advise that you apply retinol and SPF first.

Why does my skin look dark after a facial?

There could be several reasons why your skin is getting darker while doing skincare . One possible reason is that your skincare routine may not be suitable for your skin type , leading to irritation and inflammation . This can cause your skin to produce more melanin , resulting in a darker complexion .

how i repaired my skin barrier (not sponsored)

How long does your skin purge after a facial?

When you come in for a facial and your skin is sensitive, congested/acne, your skin may purge for a couple of weeks after. This is NOT your new forever skin and it will start to clear in about 2 weeks after your facial.

How long after a facial does your skin look good?

Stage 2: 48-72 Hours After the Facial (2-3 days) The benefits of a facial don't stop once you leave the treatment room. In fact, you'll continue to see improvements in your skin for up to 72 hours after the treatment. This is because facials boost hydration and circulation, leading to improved skin texture and tone.

How long does it take to glow after a facial?

Generally, the most noticeable glow is seen about 3 to 5 days post-treatment, as the skin's natural renewal process is stimulated. For sustained results, regular facials combined with a good skincare routine are recommended.

Why is my skin dull and not glowing?

Dryness and Dehydration

Both can cause the skin to appear lackluster, sallow, or dull. Dehydrated skin may also be more prone to sagging, wrinkling, and roughness—all of which can worsen the appearance of dullness.

What shouldn't you do after a facial?

The Do's & Don'ts After Getting a Facial
  • Drink PLENTY of water. ...
  • Avoid the sun. ...
  • Avoid using active ingredients for 48 hours. ...
  • No hot water on your face. ...
  • Schedule hair removal wisely. ...
  • Always avoid touching your face, but especially post-facial. ...
  • While pores are open and freshly clean, go makeup free.

How do you know if you got a bad facial?

Irritation that lasts more than a day or two

However, if you're still experiencing extreme irritation for more than a day or two after your treatment, it's likely a sign that you are dealing with a facial gone wrong. In some instances, skin care ingredients can burn your skin, leaving scarring or welts behind.

What does skin purging look like?

In other words, when you use certain products, your skin is likely to look worse before it looks better. A purge can look like blackheads and whiteheads, and it's likely to appear in the places where you normally break out.

Why does my face look worse after a HydraFacial?

It's completely normal for your skin to look worse initially. The treatment involves the extraction of impurities and exfoliation, which can cause temporary redness or inflammation. This occurs because the process stimulates blood flow and brings fresh oxygen to the surface of your skin.

Is it normal for your face to look worse after a facial?

Whether that means drying out or becoming extra oily, mild breakouts, or redness and sensitivity—this is all part of the post-facial experience as your skin adjusts to its care. In most cases, though, these reactions should dissipate within a few days, if not sooner.

Why does my face look dull all of a sudden?

When your body lacks water, it affects the skin and makes it dull. Stress, on the other hand, restricts blood supply to the skin, resulting in inadequate oxygen supply. This makes your skin look tired and dull. Lack of sleep also falls under the list of dull face reasons.

How often should you get a facial?

Pavitt says six to eight weeks is an ideal timeframe in between appointments. Medina-Cleghorn is a fan of getting a facial every four weeks so it aligns with the lifecycle of skin cells and allows your facialist to continue working on your skin health as old cells turn over and new skin cells emerge.

How to remove dullness from face?

Hydrate well: Drink at least 8 glasses of water and include hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and orange in your diet. Cleanse regularly: Cleanse your face twice a day with a glycolic acid cleanser. Exfoliate regularly: To brighten dull skin, apply mild exfoliant to your skin.

How to get glass skin?

Here are a few clear skin tips to help you on your journey toward healthy-looking glass skin.
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Use an exfoliator. ...
  3. Apply a hydrating serum. ...
  4. Reach for a sheet mask. ...
  5. Layer on a lightweight moisturizer. ...
  6. Always finish with sunscreen.

What deficiency causes dull skin?

Skin dullness is caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins in your body. To name a few, it is very important to have vitamin B and C in your body to maintain healthy skin.

What are the disadvantages of facial?

5 Side Effects of Facials You Can Help Clients Avoid
  • Irritation and Redness. The most typical side effects of a facial are redness and blotchy skin. ...
  • Breakouts. Bacteria that get into the skin during a facial typically cause post-facial outbreaks. ...
  • Scarring. ...
  • Dryness.

Why shouldn't we use soap after a facial?

Use only gentle cleansers for 48 hours after a facial. Harsh soaps can irritate and dry skin. After 2 days, you may resume your regular face wash routine.

Can you see results after 1 facial?

Let's get the number one question out of the way—you will see results after your first facial! It's not a quick fix and your skin issues won't disappear overnight, but there will be a visible result. Expect an immediate increase in hydration, which will lend a dewy glow to your whole appearance.

Do and don'ts after facial?

Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and help flush out toxins. Try not to touch your face or other treated areas, and skip any at-home facial massage. Your skin may be sensitive, so a hands-off approach is best. Avoid makeup for at least the rest of the day.

How long does skin purge after a facial?

How long does skin purging last? Purging follows our skin's natural cell renewal so the full benefits of purging won't reveal themselves for between four to six weeks after adopting a new skin care regime, depending on your skin type.

What is the best time to get a facial?

The best time for a facial ultimately depends on your goals:
  • Before a Special Event: Book a custom facial a week before to ensure a radiant glow.
  • Seasonal Changes: Schedule treatments at the start of a new season to prepare your skin for environmental shifts.

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